Observation Flashcards
What is a research aim
The concept that the researcher wants to investigate
What is the research question
A specific question based on the aim of the research
What are the 5 key questions observations centre on
- who
- what
- where
- when
- how
Describe the key question who
- who to observe
(Who is the target population, ethics of using this, sample size, sampling technique)
Describe the key question what
- what to observe
(Unstructured observation or structured observation)
Structured observation decides specific behavioural categories through ‘coding frames’
Describe the key question where
Where to carry out observation. Natural environment (naturalistic observation) or conditions contrived by researcher (controlled observation)
What is a structured observation
The observer of behaviour is guided by specific pre-defined behavioural categories prior to the observation through the development of a coding frame
What is an unstructured observation
Non focused descriptions of the range of behaviours that are going on (record everything observed)
Advantages of structured observations
- data is reliable -> observation can be replicated by other researchers using the same fixed categories + can establish inter-rater reliability as behaviour to look out for is clear
- researcher not distracted by other behaviours or irrelevant behaviours to the aim (increasing validity)
- collects quantitative data quickly and easily-> can count frequency of behaviours and compare against other behaviours
Disadvantages of structured observations
- can lack validity -> counting frequency of events does not encounter in their meanings
+ data less representative —> events that occur might not fit into any of the pre determined categories of behaviour (may be important) + can overlap with categories ( lacking validity ) - different observes can place the same events into different categories
- observer bias —> observer may interpret behaviours in a way that fits into the behavioural categories (reduce validity as doesn’t reflect what actually happened)
Advantages of unstructured observations
- more representative, can record all behaviour that occurs -> including unexpected and annomical behaviour
- increase validity as takes into account all behaviours that are occurring. More valid conclusions of behaviour as wide perspective gathered
- applicable to a wide range of contexts, method extremely easy to use when collecting data on different situations of behaviour
- produces qualitative behaviour which can record more detail for evaluation
Disadvantages of unstructured observations
- difficult to observe and record behaviours within a busy area (will need camera equipment to observe all behaviour) —> some behaviours could be missed
- difficult to replicate observation due to lack of fixed categories
- observers have tendency to record more eye catching or noticeable behaviours which might not be relevant
- observer bias —> researcher may only note down behaviours that support their own theories/the aim
- difficult to compare data
What is a naturalistic observation
Observations done in the participants natural environment
What is a controlled observation
Observations in conditions contrived by researchers such as a laboratory setting
Advantages of naturalistic observation
- high ecological validity
- can record unexpected behaviours
- less chance of demand characteristics or social desirability bias
- can easily and quickly gain a large sample for observation
Disadvantages of naturalistic observation
- less control of extraneous variables, lacking internal validity
- harder to record behaviour in the public
- if area too busy can lead to key behaviours going unnoticed or mistakes in observation
Advantages of controlled observation
- fewer extraneous variables, increasing internal validity
- highly controlled makes it more replicable, data can be falsifiable
- easier to record behaviours in a smaller controlled setting
Disadvantages of controlled observation
- high number of controls and unrealistic settings can result in low ecological validity
- increased risk of demand characteristics
- social desirability bias can cause participants to act unlike themselves if they are aware they are being watched
What is a covert observation
Participants unaware they are being observed
What is an overt observation
Participants are aware they are being observed
Advantages of covert observation
- allows natural behaviours to be observed ( more valid, less chance of demand characteristics )
- less chance of observer effect
Disadvantages of covert observation
- difficult to record behaviours without raising suspicion
- ethical issues such as lack of consent, participants also cannot withdraw
Advantages of overt observation
- avoids ethical issues as participants aware they are being observed
- able to be open in recording behaviours so easier to record data
Disadvantages of overt observation
- participants are aware they are being observed so could change behaviour
- biased sample as only those who agree to be observed can be included
What is time sampling
The act of recording is triggered by the ending of a set time interval
What is event sampling
The act of recording is triggered by the occurrence of the specific behaviour itself
Event sampling advantages
- all behaviours are recorded, nothing is missed out
- better for recording behaviours which are not frequent
Disadvantages of event sampling
- difficult to record all behaviours If there is a lot going on
- does not tell you when the behaviour occurred
- time consuming and difficult to keep concentration if over a long time
Advantages of time sampling
- can see what behaviours occurs and if it changes over a period
- does not require observer or concentrate throughout a time period
Disadvantages of time sampling
- can miss interesting behaviours between time points
- data recorded may not be fully representative of what occurred
